Chapter 127 The Helper and the Spectator
Because the Takasu Family Home's financial situation wasn't good, the apartment they lived in was an old-style one. Upon entering the genkan, there was an open-plan small kitchen, and to the left was a not-so-large living room.
And here, Kaede met Takasu Ryuji's mother, Takasu Yasuko, and another unexpected person.
"Oosaka?"
That's right, Oosaka Taiga. She actually appeared at Takasu Ryuji's house, which really surprised him.
Oosaka Taiga, who was eating pudding, saw Kaede, bit the spoon with her pudding, and pulled out another one from a bag nearby: "Want some?"
"Mhm, thank you."
Just as he was about to take it, Takasu Ryuji snatched it away and said loudly, "I didn't call you here to eat!"
"Ahem, sorry." Kaede smiled awkwardly and looked at Takasu Yasuko, who was sitting nearby, "Good afternoon, Aunt Yasuko."
Although there was a guest, Takasu Yasuko was clearly not in a good mood at the moment.
"Good afternoon, Kaede-kun. Ryuji, come and sit down quickly!"
Upon hearing this, Takasu Ryuji immediately knelt down in his seat, not daring to breathe loudly.
Kaede had met Takasu Yasuko several times, but this was the first time he had ever seen her look so serious.
After Kaede sat down, he asked, "Um, Auntie Yasuko, are you upset about Takasu going to work?"
Takasu Yasuko nodded and said, "That's right. I told Ryuji ages ago that he doesn't need to work; he just needs to focus on school, but he won't listen! Kaede-kun, he mentioned that you gave him advice regarding this matter, is that true?"
Hearing this, Kaede exchanged a glance with Takasu Ryuji, shook his head at the apologetic Takasu Ryuji, and looked at Takasu Yasuko, saying, "That's right, I was the one who suggested it, and I don't think there's anything wrong with it. Auntie Yasuko, may I explain the reason?"
His reasons were definitely involved in this matter, and Kaede had long anticipated this situation, so he wasn't flustered.
Seeing this, Takasu Yasuko nodded, waiting for Kaede's explanation.
Under the watchful gaze of Oosaka Taiga, who was eating pudding and enjoying the show, Kaede began, "Auntie Yasuko, you should be aware of Takasu's personality issue, right?"
He paused, pointed to his own eyes, and Kaede continued, "Although it might not be appropriate to say this, because of his eyes, Takasu has had difficulties with socializing since the start of the school year. While Kitamura, our friend, and I have become friends with him, that connection has been limited to our own class for this half-semester. In other classes, aside from a very few individuals, most people just think there's a fierce-looking delinquent in Class 1-C."
Hearing Kaede say this, Takasu Yasuko's emotions fluctuated slightly, and she glanced at the silent Takasu Ryuji.
At this moment, Oosaka Taiga, who had been silent all this time, raised her hand and whispered, "That's true. Aside from the few of us who know what this guy is really like, everyone else keeps him at arm's length."
"Uh... 'Keeping him at arm's length' might be a bit of an exaggeration, right?"
Takasu Ryuji was about to try to explain, but Kaede immediately slapped him on the shoulder.
"Just keep quiet and listen to me."
After silencing Takasu Ryuji, Kaede continued, "After school started for a while, although the students in our own class were no longer afraid of Takasu, when facing students from other classes, most people still kept him at arm's length, just as Oosaka said. Then, driven by certain circumstances, Takasu wanted to make a change, so I suggested that he simply find a part-time job at a restaurant or something similar to hone his skills."
"So that's how it is..." Takasu Yasuko looked a little sad. Thinking back, her son had indeed changed quite a bit recently.
At Kaede's signal, Takasu Ryuji said, "That's right. At the restaurant where I work, I met a senior from Shuchiin. His family situation isn't great, but he works multiple part-time jobs while also serving as the Student Council President. While working, he taught me a lot of experience, and I learned many things from him. Furthermore, my grades haven't slipped this semester; they've actually improved compared to midterms. So Yasuko, you don't need to worry about my grades; I won't slack off."
"Ryuji... you're growing up so fast. Before I knew it, you've become an adult."
After sighing with emotion, Takasu Yasuko showed a bitter smile. "Look at me. I've been such an inadequate mother."
"That's not true!"
Before Takasu Ryuji and Kaede could speak, Oosaka Taiga suddenly interjected, "At least in my opinion, you are absolutely qualified as this guy Takasu's mother! Far more qualified than my parents. Those two haven't even come to see me once this entire semester."
As she spoke, Oosaka Taiga's expression became downcast, and she looked very disheartened.
Takasu Ryuji only just realized that Oosaka Taiga was living alone. Was she truly living by herself in the luxury apartment right next door to his house?
Looking at Kaede, Takasu Ryuji sought an answer.
"Don't look at me. Every family has its own problems; how could I know all that? Speaking of which, how did she end up here in your house?"
"Uh... it was an accident."
Oosaka Taiga, who was currently being comforted in Takasu Yasuko's embrace, said, "I went out to the convenience store to buy pudding, and then I saw Takasu being chased and beaten up on his way back from work. I thought it was interesting, so I stood by and watched the excitement. And then... huh, how did I get inside?"
"I never invited you in at all!"
"Tch, why are you shouting so loudly?"
Oosaka Taiga glared unhappily at Takasu Ryuji and said, "Who knew your house was right next to mine? This is the first time I've encountered that. Besides, you're not the one in charge here. Yasuko let me in!"
"That's right! Taiga is so cute, she can come visit anytime!"
Takasu Yasuko had now recovered her smile and said happily while hugging Oosaka Taiga.
It must be said that Oosaka Taiga's petite stature combined with her cute appearance made her very likable, provided she wasn't hitting anyone.
Unfortunately, both Kaede and Takasu Ryuji were well aware of the tiger's strength contained within Oosaka Taiga's small body, and they wouldn't be fooled by her appearance.
After cuddling Oosaka Taiga for a bit, Takasu Yasuko looked at Ryuji and said, "Ryuji, I understand the situation with your part-time job now. I truly neglected things outside of your studies. I can allow you to continue working for the time being, but if your grades drop, you must stop immediately, understood?"
Upon learning that he could continue working, Takasu Ryuji nodded repeatedly, "No problem!"
At the same time, he clapped Kaede on the shoulder and happily said, "Asakura, thank you for today. I appreciate you coming over."
Shrugging, Kaede replied with a smile, "Didn't I tell you? Just call me by my name."
"Parrot... parrot..."
Suddenly, intermittent chirping sounds came from a covered birdcage in the corner.
Takasu Ryuji quickly went over and uncovered the cage, revealing a parrot inside sticking out its tongue, attempting to speak.
"So ugly!"
Kaede and Oosaka Taiga complained in unison.